New York Times taps Davi Belfort for UCF's QB reins. Will this inexperienced transfer surprise, or will freshman Rocco Marriott emerge?
The UCF Knights are without a starting quarterback thanks to the transfer portal, but The Athletic predicted Davi Belfort will lead the charge next season.
Manny Navarro, a writer for The Athletic, wrote a story predicting every Power 4 starting quarterback. Belfort was listed as next season’s leader, but the story also hinted at four-star recruit Rocco Marriot’s potential.
“Scott Frost's first season back in Orlando was marred by a season-ending back injury to Cam Fancher, which led to Tayven Jackson taking over as the starter,” Navarro said. “Jackson is now in the portal, and Fancher is seeking a medical redshirt. Belfort, a Virginia Tech signee, was the third-stringer. Incoming freshman Rocco Marriott might be the long-term answer.”
Belfort has no starting experience, having played only limited snaps this season. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 53 yards and an interception, and carried the ball 16 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.
The Brazilian native called his first game snaps against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Belfort ran for 23 yards on two carries.
Coach Scott Frost entered Belfort’s name into the starting quarterback race despite his limited playing time.
“I think, number one, Davi deserves a chance to play,” Frost said in his post-game press conference after losing to Texas Tech. “Number two, we’re down two quarterbacks and we’re trying to finish the season with a quarterback ready to play. That’s going to limit what we can call a little bit, trying to run Tayven.”
One of Belfort’s limited appearances came in the final minutes against Houston, attempting to complete a game-winning drive.
Belfort entered the game after Jackson suffered a hamstring injury. He kept UCF’s comeback chances alive with drive-saving 19 and 17-yard runs.
His heroics put the team in a position to score, but the Cougars caught the game-sealing interception to snuff out the Knights' comeback attempt.
“We got to take off and get tough yards from our quarterback spot better,” Frost said. I feel terrible for him because he was the spark that got us down there in position to win the game, and honestly, threw that one late and behind him.”
Belfort threw a game-sealing interception, but the late-game experience for a starting quarterback is valued highly. Frost and his coaching staff have continuously praised Belfort and believe he deserves to play.
The Knights will host the starting quarterback battle between Belfort and Marriott during spring camp in March. The starter is currently unknown, but UCF will know who its leader will be before Opening Knight next season.